Water Minister Glenn Butcher has visited Somerset Dam to inspect where important early and enabling works will commence onsite as part of the first stage of the Somerset Dam Improvement Project.
Somerset Dam continues to operate safely, and the Dam Improvement Project will ensure the dam meets modern engineering and design standards to provide ongoing safety and water security for years to come.
New Premier Steven Miles’ 2024-25 Queensland Budget included $13 million for planning work for the Somerset Dam Improvement Project.
The enabling works will include removing the spillway (radial) gates, replacing eight sluice gates, and installing a drainage curtain.
Procurement is underway to manufacture modern, purpose-built, hydraulically operated sluice gates. Tender submissions have been received, and manufacturing work is expected to commence in 2025 upon contract award and project approvals.
Seqwater is planning to host drop-in information sessions in July and August 2024 to provide the community with further information about the planned works. Once confirmed, more details on these sessions will be provided, and community members are encouraged to sign up for the project newsletter on the Seqwater website.
A Detailed Business Case is currently being completed for the Somerset Dam Improvement Project to carefully assess the preferred option for upgrading the dam. Seqwater will continue to keep the community updated as this important project progresses.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Glenn Butcher:
“This is an important and complex project to ensure Somerset Dam continues to withstand extreme flood events into the future and provide water security for years to come.
“Seqwater has already delivered 13 dam upgrades, and I am pleased to see work commencing on Somerset Dam soon as part of this vital program of works in the region.
“There will be around 150 jobs throughout the project’s life.
Quotes attributable to Seqwater Interim CEO Will Harpham:
“While dams in Queensland were built to very high, internationally accepted safety standards, Somerset Dam was constructed in 1959, and dam design and engineering standards have evolved significantly since then.
“As part of the Somerset Dam Improvement Project, Seqwater is pleased to be planning a range of early and enabling works to support future construction on the significant dam upgrade scheduled for this site.
“The works are required to be completed irrespective of the final design option for the Somerset Dam Improvement Project, which is currently considered part of the Detailed Business Case stage.
“Subject to project approvals, most of the early and enabling works are expected to commence on site in 2025, and Seqwater will continue to keep the community informed.”
For more information, visit the Seqwater website, email projectinfo@seqwater.com.au or call 07 3432 7000.
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